Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
  • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
  • C12Q1/70—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving virus or bacteriophage
  • C12Q1/701—Specific hybridization probes
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
  • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
  • C12Q1/68—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
  • C12Q1/6813—Hybridisation assays
  • C12Q1/6816—Hybridisation assays characterised by the detection means
  • C12Q1/6818—Hybridisation assays characterised by the detection means involving interaction of two or more labels, e.g. resonant energy transfer
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
  • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
  • C12Q1/68—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
  • C12Q1/6813—Hybridisation assays
  • C12Q1/6834—Enzymatic or biochemical coupling of nucleic acids to a solid phase
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
  • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
  • G01N21/75—Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated
  • G01N21/77—Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator
  • G01N21/78—Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator producing a change of colour

Definitions

• the present invention relates to detection of target nucleic acid, particularly to detection of the nucleic acid of a microorganism or a virus such as SARS-CoV-2.
• [5]COVID-19 is a severe respiratory disease caused by the Coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2). It was first identified in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province in December of 2019. It spread quickly from its origin to take hold globally resulting in the current pandemic that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of infected individuals and caused universal disruption and global economic recession.
• SARS- CoV-2 Coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
• pandemic The key to successful control of an emerging epidemic or pandemic is the identification and isolation of infected individuals, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic.
• testing is at the front-line of infection control.
• Antigenic tests detect parts of the virus (usually proteins) and are the most common form of rapid tests employed at the moment. However, due to crossreactivity with other related proteins these tests tend to be much less accurate than genetic tests.
• Antibody tests are also rapid tests that detect the presence of antibodies (either IgG or IgM) against the virus, and are generally more specific than antigen tests but do not detect patients when they are most contagious as antibodies do not appear in persons until 10-14 days after infection.
• the gold standard of viral testing remains the genetic test that detects the specific nucleic acid (RNA) sequence of the virus. At the moment all genetic tests on the market are based on PCR. Even when incremental improvements are made to the turn-around time of this technology PCR-based tests are limited in their scalability as they require specialised laboratories, expensive equipment, reagents and trained personnel.
• Colorimetric sensors have a number of advantages. They are easy to use, typically involving only a single step without requiring trained personnel. They are sensitive with only a few nanoparticles needed to generate visible colour changes due to the extremely high extinction coefficients. Moreover, neither complex nor expensive analytical instruments are needed as the colour change can be detected using the naked eye. Recently, colorimetric assays been employed to detect parts of the N gene of SARS-CoV-2 (ref 6).
• the present invention relates generally to a nanoparticle-based detection platform for detecting a target nucleic acid in a sample.
• the detection platform is based on target nucleic acid-dependent agglomeration of nanoparticles that effects a visible colour change.
• the inventors have surprisingly found that careful selection of oligonucleotide probe sequences that are complementary to target sequences in the target nucleic acid such that the target sequences are spaced-apart or contiguous and non-overlapping, provides sufficient sensitivity and specificity for the detection platform to rapidly and efficiently indicate presence or absence of the target nucleic acid in a sample even in the absence of complex analytical instruments, e.g.
• the present invention provides a method for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid analyte in a sample, wherein the target nucleic acid analyte comprises at least a first, a second and a third target sequence, which target sequences are spaced-apart or contiguous and non-overlapping, the method comprising: providing a population of oligonucleotide probe- functionalised nanoparticles, said population comprising at least a first oligonucleotide probe that hybridizes to said first target sequence, a second oligonucleotide probe that hybridizes to said second target sequence and a third oligonucleotide probe that hybridizes to said third target sequence; and contacting a solution comprising the sample with the population of nanoparticles, wherein multiple specific binding events between the oligonucleotide probe sequences and target sequences causes agglomeration of the nanoparticles, thereby resulting in a target nucle
• the method of the invention therefore employs detection nanoparticles and target nucleic acid analyte coming into contact in "free-floating" solution rather than immobilised on a substrate as taught in prior art methods.
• each type of nanoparticle is functionalised with multiple copies of one type of oligonucleotide probe.
• the population of nanoparticles comprises a plurality of different types of nanoparticle each functionalised with multiple copies of any of the at least three types of oligonucleotide probe.
• the population of nanoparticles is functionalised with at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 95 or at least 100 types of oligonucleotide probe which hybridise to at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 95 or at least 100 corresponding spaced- apart or contiguous non-overlapping target sequences in the target analyte.
• the population of nanoparticles is functionalised with 10 types of oligonucleotide probe which bind to 10 corresponding spaced-apart or contiguous non-overlapping target sequences in the target analyte.
• one or more (e.g. all) of the oligonucleotide probes is perfectly complementary to the target sequence to which it hybridises.
• oligonucleotide probes that hybridise to the target sequence e.g. despite one or more mismatches (e.g. 1, 2, 3,
• the molar ratio of target to total nanoparticles is selected to permit target-specific nanoparticle agglomeration.
• the molar ratio of target to total nanoparticles may be in the range 1:1 to 0.001:1.
• the molar ratio may be in the range 0.1 to 0.001.
• the ratio is the molar ratio of the concentration of a particular nanoparticle-probe type ("batch") to the target analyte. This will be different from the cumulative probe concentration.
• the cumulative ratio could be 10:1 probe:analyte, but the molar ratio for each individual NP- probe would be 1:1.
• the method comprises a fragmentation step in which said target nucleic acid analyte is broken into two or more fragments.
• the fragmentation step may comprise a period of sonication of the sample. For example, sonication may be carried out for at least 10 seconds, at least 30 seconds or at least
• the target analyte comprises viral RNA.
• the target analyte may comprise viral genomic RNA, viral sub-genomic mRNA or viral mRNA.
• the target analyte comprises SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
• the target analyte comprises the genomic sequence of the E protein and/or the N protein of SARS-CoV-2.
• the target analyte comprises the sgmRNA of the E gene and/or the N gene of SARS-CoV-2.
• the target analyte comprises the leader E-gene and/or the leader N-gene and/or fusion sequence.
• the probe sequences are selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-15. In some embodiments the probe sequences are selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.. In some embodiments the probe sequences are selected from SEQ ID NOs: 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. In some embodiments the probe sequences are selected from SEQ ID NOs:
• the probe sequences are selected from SEQ ID NOs: 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.
• the nanoparticles have a metal core.
• the metal core may comprise gold or silver.
• the nanoparticles are substantially spherical.
• the nanoparticles are non- spherical.
• the non-spherical nanoparticle may be multi-branched.
• the multi-branched nanoparticle may be a nano-urchin.
• the nanoparticles may be of ellipsoidal or bipyramidal morphology. Mixtures of nanoparticles having differing morphologies are specifically contemplated.
• the nanoparticles have a diameter (e.g. mean diameter) between 13 nm and 65 nm, between 20 nm and 60 nm, such as about 30nm.
• the probes comprise DNA or a non-natural nucleic acid.
• the probes may comprise locked nucleic acid (LNA), 2'-H nucleic acid, 2'-OMe nucleic acid, 2'-F nucleic acid or peptide nucleic acid (PNA).
• LNA locked nucleic acid
• PNA peptide nucleic acid
• the nanoparticle-probe linkage is at the 5' end of the oligonucleotide probes.
• the probes comprise a C6-thiol linkage. In some embodiments the probes comprise a C6-thiol 5' linkage.
• the probe sequences comprise between 10 and 100 nucleotides, between 10 and 50 nucleotides, optionally between 12 and 30 nucleotides.
• the target sequence hybridising portion of the probe sequences comprises 20 nucleotides.
• the probes comprise a nucleotide tail upstream of the target sequence hybridising portion of the probe sequence.
• the nucleotide tail may comprise 5 to 20 nucleotides, such as 10 nucleotides.
• the nucleotide tail is a poly-thymine (“poly-T") tail.
• the nucleotide tail may comprise 10 thymines.
• the spacing between adjacent nanoparticles when the probes are hybridised to the target sequences of the target analyte is between 5 nm and 30 nm.
• the spacing between adjacent nanoparticles when the probes are hybridised to the target sequences of the target analyte is between 10 nm and 18 nm.
• the spacing between adjacent nanoparticles when the probes are hybridised to the target sequences of the target analyte is 12 nm.
• the method further comprises a step of adding extra salt.
• the method further comprises a step of adding Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and proteinase K.
• SDS Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
• the final concentration of SDS is at least 0.5%.
• the method is carried out at less than 45°C.
• the method may be carried out at less than 40°C, less than 35°C, less than 25°C, or less than 20°C.
• the method does not involve addition of RNAse.
• RNAse is not added after NP agglomeration.
• the present invention provides a population of oligonucleotide probe-functionalised nanoparticles comprising at least a first, a second and a third oligonucleotide probe which hybridise to at least a first, a second and a third spaced-apart or contiguous and non-overlapping target sequence in a target nucleic acid analyte.
• the population of oligonucleotide probe- functionalised nanoparticles is for use in a method of the first aspect of the invention.
• the population of oligonucleotide probe-functionalised nanoparticles may be as defined in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
• each type of nanoparticle is functionalised with multiple copies of one type of oligonucleotide probe.
• the population of nanoparticles comprises a plurality of different types of nanoparticle each functionalised with multiple copies of any of the at least three types of oligonucleotide probe.
• the population of nanoparticles is functionalised with at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 95 or at least 100 types of oligonucleotide probe which hybridise to at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 95 or at least 100 corresponding spaced- apart or contiguous non-overlapping target sequences in the target analyte.
• the population of nanoparticles is functionalised with 10 types of oligonucleotide probe which bind to 10 corresponding spaced-apart or contiguous non-overlapping target sequences in the target analyte.
• one or more (e.g. all) of the oligonucleotide probes is perfectly complementary to the target sequence to which it hybridises.
• oligonucleotide probes that hybridise to the target sequence e.g. despite a single base mismatch may be employed in certain embodiments.
• the target analyte comprises viral RNA.
• the target analyte may comprise viral genomic RNA, viral sub-genomic mRNA or viral mRNA.
• the target analyte comprises SARS-CoV-2 RNA. In some embodiments, the target analyte comprises the genomic sequence of the E protein of SARS-CoV-2. In some embodiments, the target analyte comprises the sgmRNA of the E gene of SARS-CoV-2.
• the probe sequences are selected from SEQ
• the probe sequences are selected from SEQ ID NOs: 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. In some embodiments the probe sequences are selected from SEQ ID NOs:
• the nanoparticles have a core comprising metal or diamond.
• the core may comprise gold.
• the nanoparticles are substantially spherical.
• the nanoparticles have a diameter (e.g. mean diameter) between 13 nm and 65 nm, between 40 nm and 60 nm, such as about 50 nm.
• the probes comprise DNA or a non-natural nucleic acid.
• the probes may comprise locked nucleic acid (LNA), 2'-H nucleic acid, 2'-OMe nucleic acid, or 2'-F nucleic acid.
• LNA locked nucleic acid
• the nanoparticle-probe linkage is at the 5' end of the oligonucleotide probes.
• the probes comprise a C6-thiol linkage. In some embodiments the probes comprise a C6-thiol 5' linkage.
• the probe sequences comprise between 10 and 100 nucleotides, between 10 and 50 nucleotides, optionally between 12 and 30 nucleotides.
• the target sequence hybridising portion of the probe sequences comprises 20 nucleotides.
• the probes comprise a nucleotide tail upstream of the target sequence hybridising portion of the probe sequence.
• the nucleotide tail may comprises 5 to 20 nucleotides, such as 10 nucleotides.
• the nucleotide tail is a poly-thymine (“poly-T") tail.
• the nucleotide tail may comprises 10 thymines.
• the spacing between adjacent nanoparticles when the probes are hybridised to the target sequences of the target analyte is between 5 nm and 30 nm.
• the spacing between adjacent nanoparticles when the probes are hybridised to the target sequences of the target analyte is between 10 nm and 18 nm.
• the spacing between adjacent nanoparticles when the probes are hybridised to the target sequences of the target analyte is 12 nm.
• the present invention provides a kit for detection of a target nucleic acid analyte in a sample, the kit comprising: a population of nanoparticles of the second aspect of the invention; a reaction vessel for holding a solution, the reaction vessel comprising at least a wall and a sealable opening, wherein visible light is able to pass through at least a portion of the wall; and one or more reagents or solutions for carrying out the method of the first aspect of the invention.
• the kit further comprises one or more reagents or solutions for isolating target nucleic acid from a sample.
• the solution may be for isolating and/or purifying the target nucleic acid from a sample.
• kits may comprise "Reagent 1 and/or "Reagent 2a" of said Coronavirus RNA extraction research kit as described in the protocol dated 28 March 2020 and available at the following URL: https://arcisbio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SARS-CoV-2- Protocols-V3-20200328-l.pdf .
• the Kit further comprises a colour reference (e.g. a colour card) corresponding to the expected colour change upon positive detection of the target nucleic acid analyte. This may be used to facilitate recognition of the colour change by the user, e.g. by holding the reaction vessel up to the colour reference.
• the present invention provides a device for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid analyte in a sample, the device comprising: an inlet for receiving a sample, a passage for the sample to pass from the inlet to a storage compartment pre- loaded with a set of reagents, wherein the reagents comprise the population of nanoparticles according of the second aspect of the invention, and a detection window comprising a colour reference, wherein, in use, the sample contacts the reagents in the storage compartment, so that the positive detection of a target nucleic acid analyte results in an expected colour change in the colour reference visible through the detection window.
• the device further comprises a cap.
• the cap may comprise NaCl such that, upon closing the cap, the NaCl is added to the storage compartment.
• the device may be used in a method according to the first aspect of the invention. [67]Brief Description of the Figures
• Figure 1 A. Schematic diagram of signal amplification concept. B. Schematic diagram showing use of a mixture of distinct populations of NP-probes with each NP having multiple copies of the same probe. C. Schematic diagram showing use of multiple copies of different probes on the same NP. D. Schematic diagram of signal amplification.
• Figure 2 Schematic diagram of typical b-coronavirus.
• the replicase gene of is comprised of ORFs la and lb, which are located distal to the 5' UTR and the leader sequence found at the 5 end of the genome.
• the structural protein genes S, E, M and N are located proximal to the 3' UTR. Interspersed between the structural protein genes are the accessory genes encoding non-structural proteins, which are not essential for replication in vitro. Reproduced from Armesto et al.
• Genomic RNA is released and acts as a mRNA for the translation of the replicase proteins.
• sgmRNAs are produced from the genomic RNA for the expression of the structural and accessory proteins. Figure not shown, but available from Armesto et al.
• Figure 3 Colorimetric change in response to specific analyte.
• Figure 4 Specificity of binding using DNA analyte. Binding kinetics as assessed by surface plasmon resonance of two adjacent 20-mer oligonucleotide probes to either a wild-type BRAF gene sequences or mutant sequence that differs by 1/100 nucleotides.
• Figure 5 Change in sensitivity of detection of specific analyte at differing concentrations according to size of nanoparticle. (Top) 63nm (Middle) 46 nm (Bottom) 13 nm nanoparticle.
• Figure 6 Comparison of 25nm and 50 nm nanoparticles to detect either 70 nt or 140 nt ssDNA or dsDNA analytes using different probe chemistries (unmodified DNA, 2'-OMe and 2'-F).
• Figure 8 Comparison of detection sensitivity using single nucleotide differences between target analytes for the BRCA1 and EGFR genes. A. Match. B. Mismatch. C. Match and mismatch.
• Figure 11 A-E. UV-vis-NIR spectra for the different combination of NPs (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) at a concentration of 150 mM for different concentration of 108 nt target sequence.
• F Image of the different assays changing the number of NPs and the concentration of the target.
• H The change of absorbance at the maximum of surface plasmon band, 530 nm.
• I The shift in the position of the maximum of surface plasmon band. Limit of detection of the assay is estimated to be 1 nM.
• Figure 12 A-D.
• UV-vis-NIR spectra for the different combination of NPs (2, 3, 4 and 5) at a concentration of 100 mM for different concentration of 108 nt target sequence.
• E Image of the different assays changing the number of NPs and the concentration of the target.
• G The change of absorbance at the maximum of surface plasmon band, 530 nm.
• H The shift in the position of the maximum of surface plasmon band. Limit of detection of the assay is estimated to be 100 pM for assay of 4 and 5 batches.
• FIG. 13 A-D. UV-vis-NIR spectra for the different combination of NPs (2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively) at a concentration of 50 mM for different concentration of 108 nt target sequence.
• F The change of absorbance at the maximum of surface plasmon band, 530 nm.
• Figure 15 A. UV-vis-NIR spectra of 2, 3, 4, and 5 NP batches (E1-E5). B. UV-Vis of 2, 3, 4, 5 NP batches (E12-E16). C. Image of the different assays changing the number of NPs and capture probes sets. D. Aggregation degree (R) for different number of NPs batches. E. Abs@530 nm for different number of NPs batches. F. Plasmon band position for different number of NPs batches.
• Figure 16 A. UV-Vis spectra (upper panel) and aggregation degree (lower panel) of 2 NP batches.
• B UV-Vis spectra (upper panel) and aggregation degree (lower panel) of 34 and 5 NP batches.
• Figure 17 A. Melting curve calculations for different probe sequences according to 1, 2 or 3 nt changes in the sequence of the analyte and according to position for El-5.
• B Melting curve calculations for different probe sequences according to 1, 2 or 3 nt changes in the sequence of the analyte and according to position for E12-16.
• Figure 18 Detection of a fragment of synthetic subgenomic E gene analyte using 50nm nano-urchins.
• the control wells contain a 108 nt-long RNA sequence that is non-complementary to the AuNP probes.
• B Corresponding UV-vis spectra for the target RNA sequences and controls. Experiments were carried out in triplicate.
• Figure 19 Detection of a fragment of synthetic subgenomic E gene analyte using spherical 30 nm AuNPs.
• the control wells contain a 108 nt-long RNA sequence that is non-complementary to the AuNP probes.
• B Corresponding UV-vis spectra for the target RNA sequences and controls. Experiments were carried out in triplicate.
• Figure 21 Detection of SARS-CoV-2 full viral sequence using 30 nm AuNPs functionalised with a mix of N gene probes (Nl-7 and N8-
• Figure 23 Detection of SARS-CoV-2 full viral sequence using 30 nm AuNPs functionalised with a mix of N and E gene probes.
• Figure 24 Specificity of detection of SARS-CoV-2.
• Figure 26 Determining the limit of detection (LOD).
• Figure 27 Determining the LOD.
• Figure 28 Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva.
• Figure 29 Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva using patient-derived samples.
• Figure 30 Clinical testing of individual samples.
• A. Example of samples tested in a blinded fashion by six independent observers marking tests as positive or negative by eye.
• B Table containing clinical tests parameters calculated based on the aggregated results from A.
• Table 5 Ratio of target molecules and number of gold nanoparticles for different concentration of Au 0 and different concentrations of target used in the assays
• Table 6 Melting curve calculations for different probe sequences according to 1, 2 or 3 nt changes in the sequence of the analyte and according to position of change
• the present invention is based on the principle of using multiple (e.g. 3 or more) contiguous non-overlapping targeting probe sequences attached to nanoparticles (NPs) that specifically bind nucleic acid sequences of pathogens, such as viral or bacterial pathogens. Specific multiple binding events bring NPs in close proximity to each other effectively causing agglomeration of NPs.
• NPs nanoparticles
• the agglomeration leads to a visual colour change only in the presence of the analyte that can be detected by the naked eye.
• the agglomeration leads to a change in luminescence, detectable optically and convertible to a visual change that can be detected by the naked eye.
• a mixture of multiple probes targeting different regions of the RNA or DNA analyte results in inter-molecular amplification of the signal, increasing the sensitivity of the detection system.
• the present invention may use a mixture of distinct populations of NP-probes with each NP having multiple copies of the same probe ( Figure IB). Alternatively, the present invention may use multiple copies of different probes on the same NP ( Figure 1C).
• the NPs as shown in Figure 1C may be made by using a mix of DNA probes rather than single sequences when carrying out the functionalisation of the NPs. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believe that this creates a random distribution of the probes on the NPs and, as NP-probes with the highest affinity would be selected to bind preferentially over lower affinity NP-probes, providing higher sensitivity. Different populations of NP-probes may be described in certain places herein as "batches”.
• the present invention provides a platform technology.
• the present invention finds use for multiple analytes.
• the present invention may be for use in the detection of nucleic acids from pathogens such as viruses or bacteria in humans, animals, food or the environment.
• the present invention can be used for rapid, simple-to-use and economic detection of SARS-CoV- 2 virus from clinically obtained samples.
• the Coronaviridae form part of the order Nidovirales, which comprises two sub-families, the Coronavirinae and Torovirinae.
• the Coronavirinae family of viruses are named for their visual resemblance to the corona of the sun in negatively stained preparations.
• the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a beta-coronavirus which is closely related to Severe acute respiratory syndrome- associated virus (SARS).
• Coreaviruses are enveloped viruses with a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome of 26-32kb, and represent the largest genomes of any RNA virus, with the SARS-CoV-2 virus having a genome of 29,903 nucleotides (RefSeq NC 045512).
• the genome associates with the nucleoprotein (N), forming a helical nucleocapsid within the virus particles. These are enclosed within lipid envelopes containing the spike (S) glycoprotein, membrane (M) protein and envelope (E) protein.
• S spike
• M membrane
• E envelope
• coronaviruses contain a positive-strand RNA genome that can directly act as template for protein translation, during the infective cycle they also produce negative-strand copies of the genome both in its entirety during continuous transcription, and a subset of non-continuous sub-genomic (sg) negative-strand mRNAs. These sgmRNAs are produced by the presence of a transcription regulation sequence (TRS) that either cause a pausing of transcription process or termination of the process leading to the generation of nested sgmRNA fragments.
• TRS transcription regulation sequence
• probes of the NPs of the invention may target the genomic positive strand sequence and/or non-overlapping mRNA or sgmRNA sequences.
• the present invention provides a detection kit, whereby purified analyte is added to a solution.
• Solution 1 is a third party purification solution.
• solution 1 may be as provided in the Coronavirus RNA extraction research kit available from ARCIS Biotechnology (Daresbury, UK).
• Solution 1 may comprise two solutions which are "Reagent 1" and "Reagent 2a” of said Coronavirus RNA extraction research kit as described in the protocol dated 28 March 2020 and available at the following URL: https://arcisbio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SARS- CoV-2-Protocols-V3-20200328-l.pdf .
• “Solution 2 comprises the nanoparticles of the invention and a solvent/buffer for detection.
• the present invention may be in the form of a lateral flow assay through the immobilisation of the NP-probes to a detection surface.
• SalivaDirectTM i.e. adding SDS/Proteinase K avoids the need for a separate RNA extraction step and allows for a one-step detection method of the target analyte (https://publichealth.yale.edu/salivadirect/).
• SDS is a well-known stabiliser of NPs.
• PCR relies on the presence of enzymes, which requires the removal of proteinase K.
• there are no proteins in the present system so removal of proteinase K is not necessary.
• Another advantage of using the SDS/Proteinase K method is that the SDS inactivates the virus, and a concentration of 0.5% SDS is sufficient to completely destroy the virus.
• Nanoparticles used in a detection kit may preferably comprise gold but may also be silver or any other metal.
• NPs may also comprise diamond.
• the NPs may be hollow or solid.
• the NPs may preferably be spherical but may also be non-spherical such as stars, rods or other shapes.
• the non-spherical NPs may be nano-urchins (Sigma).
• the diameter of NPs may in some cases have a diameter in the range 5 nm to 200 nm, preferably 20 nm to 100 nm, more preferably 30 nm to 70 nm, such as around 50nm in diameter.
• Nanodiamonds are carbon-based nanoparticles with a core of diamond carbon and a surface shell that is partially graphite-based (ref 9). Their size ranges from 1 to 100 nm. Modifications of diamond film surfaces with biomolecules such as DNA have been described (ref 10).
• Probes used in a detection kit could be made from DNA or modified nucleic acids such as PNA, LNA, 2'-H, 2'-OMe, 2'-F.
• the probe may have a covalent attachment to the nanoparticle surface, for example via a thiol linker.
• the probe may be attached via a C6-thiol 5'-linkage, but could be 3' or internal.
• the probes are attached via thiol linkage and could contain PEG or similar spacer molecules to minimise non-specific agglomeration.
• the probes may be linked to the nanoparticle via a spacer of chain length 10 to 50 atoms. For example, a C18 spacer.
• the spacer may be employed in addition to the thiol linker.
• the probes may be linked to the nanoparticle surface via a C6-thiol linker and a C18 spacer.
• the probe sequences are preferably 20-mer although they can vary between 12-30 nucleotides in length.
• the probe sequences can hybridise to the target sequences under medium or high stringency conditions.
• the salt concentration may be IOOmM to 500mM, e.g. 100mM to 500mM NaCl.
• the salt concentration may be 150 mM NaCl.
• the temperature for allowing hybridisation may be in the range 25-30 °C.
• the probe sequences are complementary to the target sequences. However, as shown herein, hybridisation may be sufficiently strong to enable detection of target analyte even when the target-probe sequences exhibit one more more base mismatches, such as 1, 2 or 3 mismatches.
• the probe sequences are screened for non-specific targets, self-complementarity, Tm value and evolutionary conservation of the target. They can, for example in the case of Coronavirus or similar, target the genomic sequence, sub-genomic fragments or mRNAs of the pathogen.
• the target nucleic acid analyte comprises at least a first, a second and a third non-overlapping target sequence, wherein the target sequences are different and may be spaced-apart or contiguous. Accordingly, the at least first, second and third oligonucleotide probe sequences of the invention are different.
• NP@DNA Nanoparticle-probes wherein the nanoparticle has a gold core may be referred to as Au@DNA.
• the spacing between adjacent nanoparticles when bound to the target analyte may be between 5 nm and 30 nm.
• the spacing between adjacent nanoparticles when bound to the target analyte may be between 13 nm and 18 nm.
• the spacing between adjacent nanoparticles may be measured by electron microscopy.
• the spacing between adjacent nanoparticles may be determined theoretically based on the lengths of the target sequences and distances between the target sequences.
• the average length of a nucleotide is 0.6 nm, so with a 20-mer target sequence the theoretical distance between NPs would be 12nm. This distance can be adjusted, for example by varying the probe sequence either in position of binding or physically extending the probe length.
• samples may include any biological liquid or tissue sample and/or environmental sample.
• the sample may be saliva or a nasopharyngeal sample.
• the samples may be from SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals.
• Samples may be RNA from a SARS-CoV2 infected individuals spiked in into saliva samples.
• Samples may also be obtained from a cell culture. For example, samples may be obtained from a cell culture established using cells infected with SARS-CoV-2.
• AuNPs Gold nanoparticles
• the seeded growth process comprises the cyclic addition of metal precursor and extraction of particles.
• the seed solution is cooled down to 90°C and then HAUCI 4 solution (25 mM) is added, followed by a second addition after 30 min. After a further 30 min period, the growth solution is extracted and sodium citrate solution (60 mM) added. This process is repeated to increase the size of the resulting AuNPs.
• AlNPs are functionalized with thiolated oligonucleotide primers (see Example 2 for exemplary oligonucleotide probe sequences "primers") according to the method of Hurst et al.
• colloidal AuNPs in SDS (0.1%) and PB (0.01 M) are added to a 3.6 mM solution of the oligonucleotides.
• the mixture of oligonucleotides and AuNPs are incubated at room temperature for 20 min, and to improve the oligonucleotide binding, a salt aging process is carried out.
• a solution containing NaCl (2 M), SDS (0.01%), and PB (0.01M) is added sequentially to the mixture to reach a final NaCl concentration of 0.2 M.
• Each salt aging step is alternated with sonication (10 s) and incubation (20 min), followed by incubation for 12 h.
• the solutions are centrifuged 3 times and each time re-dispersed in SDS (1 mL, 0.01%).
• AuNPs were functionalized with single stranded DNA (ssDNA) according to recent protocols (Mirkin et al., Anal Chem, 2006, Vol. 7, pp 8313-8318 - incorporated herein by reference).
• AuNPs stabilized with DNA exhibit colloidal stability in an aqueous solution containing anionic surfactant-sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), 0.01 wt%, as confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• SDS anionic surfactant-sodium dodecyl sulphate
• the plasmon band redshifts -3 run in all samples after DNA binding, suggesting the formation of a molecular shell around the nanoparticle's surface.
• TEM analysis confirms the formation of a molecular shell of a thickness of ⁇ 1.4 nm.
• FIG. 4 shows preferential binding of the designed mutant BRAF probe to the mutant BRAF gene sequence as compared with the wild-type BRAF sequence.
• the 2'-F modification improved the sensitivity of ssDNA detection, especially for the smaller NPs.
• the present inventors theorise that 2'-OMe modification is better for detection of dsDNA while 2'-F modification performs better for ssDNA.
• E gene is small (228 nt) making it practical to create a synthetic RNA genomic positive strand and complementary negative strand sgmRNA for optimisation of the technology without the need for using viral-derived or DNA analytes for experiments.
• It is expressly contemplated herein that other sequences in SARS-CoV-2 may be targeted. For instance, reasons 1 and 2 above apply to the N-gene of SARS-CoV-2.
• the initial primers for proof-of-principle experiments were chosen on the basis of being contiguous 20-mer sequences covering the E-gene sequence. It is desirable that the primers have the following properties:
• TM 3.Melting temperatures ideally between 55-68°C although other temperatures could be used.
• Table 3 characterises the target sequences and capture probes designed by the present inventors.
• Two SARS-CoV-2 target sequences were selected: a 235nt viral sequence and a 108nt subgenomic E gene sequence.
• Three groups of capture probes were designed.
• E1-E5 are complementary to the one terminus of the 235nt viral sequence.
• E12- E16 are complementary to the other terminus of the 235nt viral sequence.
• E7-E11 and E17 are complementary to the 108nt subgenomic E gene sequence.
• Table 4 provides the oligonucleotide sequences of these capture probes.
• All primers have i) 5'-thiol modification for attachment to NPs and C6 spacer and ii) 10(t) 5' tail upstream of complementary 20-mer sequence.
• primers E#l-6 and E#12-17 are contiguous and reverse complementary to the positive-strand RNA sequence of the E-gene of the SARS-CoV-2 sequence (ref seq NC 045512.2).
• Primarymers E#R7-R11 and E17 target the negative strand sgmRNA of the E gene.
• the secondary structure of the viral 235nt and subgenomic 108nt target sequences were simulated. It was observed that each target sequence can form structures of relatively low energies at 25 5 C, 1M NaCl.
• the viral 235nt secondary structure had a free energy of -77.17 kcal/mol, whereas the subgenomic 108nt secondary structure had a free energy of -25.78 kcal/mol.
• the assay composition was tested using 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 NP@DNA batches, wherein each batch comprises a different NP@DNA population.
• the total number of particles in each assay was kept constant (expressed as molar concentration of Au° - 150 mM).
• concentrations of target sequence were used: 10000 pM, 1000 pM, 100 pM, 10 pM, 1 pM, 0.1 pM. The mixtures were incubated for 48 hours.
• Figure 9A shows UV-Vis-NIR spectra of the solutions at different concentrations of target for the assays of 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 NPs. It was observed that the spectra remained unchanged over the entire range of target concentration for batches containing 1 and 2 NPs. Oppositely, for the assay containing 3, 4 and 5 batches, an abrupt change in UV-Vis-NIR spectra was observed. This was especially visible for samples containing 4 and 5 batches.
• the concentration of each population was 75mM.
• the concentration of each population was 75mM.
• the assay composition was tested using 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 NP@DNA batches, wherein each batch comprises a different NP@DNA population.
• the total number of particles in each assay (expressed as molar concentration of Au°) was kept fixed to 150 mM ( Figure 11), 100 mM ( Figure 12), or 50 mM ( Figure 13).
• concentrations of target sequence were used: 10000 pM,
• Figures 11 A-E show UV-vis-NIR spectra of the solutions at different concentration of target for the assays of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 batches, respectively.
• the present inventors observed that for batches containing 1 and 2 types of nanoparticles ( Figures 11A and 11B) the spectra remained unchanged over the entire range of target concentration.
• Figure 11C, 11D and HE an abrupt change in UV-vis-NIR spectra was observed. This was especially visible for samples containing 4 and 5 batches.
• the concentration of each population was 75mM.
• the concentration of each population was 75mM.
• the inability to detect higher amount of target is related to the saturation of each nanoparticles by target molecules, inhibiting thus the aggregation.
• proper functioning of a colloidal assay depends on molar ratio of target to nanoparticles. At low values of the ratio a small fraction of particles are aggregated while vast majority of nanoparticles remains dispersed, causing no change of the colour. At higher values of the ratio, target molecules saturate surface of nanoparticles, again, causing no aggregation.
• Table 4 provides the values of molar ratios of target to nanoparticles.
• a fragmentation step (e.g. via sonication or other suitable process) may be necessary for long analytes, such as the genomic RNA of SARS-CoV-2 (>29kb). It is expressly contemplated herein that the effectiveness of sonication may be sequence specific. For instance, the present inventors found that El-5 were sensitive to sonication but E12-E16 were not. The effect of sonication was increased for batches of more than 4 or more than 5 NPs, but showed little difference when using 3 NPs.
• Figure 16A shows UV Vis spectra and aggregation degrees for assays in which two batches of NPs were used. Four different combinations of nanoparticle populations which bound to different positions of the 235nt viral analyte were used.
• Figure 16B shows UV Vis spectra and aggregation degrees for assays in which two, three, four or five populations of nanoparticles were used. The conditions used in these assays were: target sequence 235nt InM, [Au] 150uM, NaCl 0.3M.
• Figure 18 shows that nano-urchins are able to specifically and rapidly detect the target analyte as illustrated by the clear colour change from pink to blue/transparent two minutes after adding the target analyte (Figure 18A), corresponding to a clear spectral shift ( Figure 18B).
• NanoComposix 30 nm gold nanospheres (NanoComposix) were functionalised with a mix of seven (probes Nl-7) or six probes (N8-20).
• the target analyte was a synthetically produced complete N gene sequence of SARS-CoV-2 (1260 nt)( Figure 20). 1 m ⁇ of different concentrations, ranging from 100 nM to 0.1 nM, was employed in a total volume of 30 m ⁇ .
• the quantity of the target analyte added was 1 m ⁇ of 10 nM or InM in a final volume of 30 m ⁇ . Detection of the target analyte was tested by determining whether there was a visible colour change after 25 and 120 minutes and this was confirmed by UV-Vis spectra.
• AuNPs were tested with a range of known concentrations of full-length genomic SARS-CoV-2 RNA containing: 10 8 copies, 10 7 copies, 10 6 copies, and 10 5 copies.
• AuNPs functionalised with probes E7-E17 resulted in a clear colour change at 10 7 copies or more of virus after 15 minutes ( Figure 26).
• AuNPs functionalised with probes for E7-17 subgenomic (6), El-5 genomic (5), N gene mix (10), and leader sequence probes (17) resulted in a clear colour change at 10 5 copies or more of virus after 15 minutes (Figure 27).
• SDS/Proteinase K avoids the need for a separate RNA extraction step and allows for a one-step detection method of target analyte. Unlike PCR, which requires the removal of both SDS and proteinase K before testing, SDS is a well-known stabiliser of NPs. PCR relies on the presence of enzymes, which requires the removal of proteinase K. Advantageously, there are no proteins in the present system, so removal of proteinase K is not necessary. Another advantage of using the SDS/Proteinase K method is that the SDS inactivates the virus, and a concentration of 0.5% SDS is sufficient to completely destroy the virus.
• the performance of the present invention lies between the standard PCR test and the lateral flow test.
• Lateral flow tests are capable of detecting 72% of people who are infected with the virus and have symptoms and 78% within the first week of becoming ill. But in people with no symptoms, that drops to 58% (ref 7).
• PCR tests provide a greater sensitivity, but they lack scalability.
• the sensitivity of the present test is much better than the lateral flow test and only slightly below that of a PCR test. As such, the present invention advantageously provides for a convenient, user-friendly, test that can be mass-produced and has improved sensitivity compared to existing lateral flow tests.
• FIG. 31 An example of a prototype of the present assay is provided in Figure 31.
• the prototype comprises a tube containing the AuNPs and
• Example 26 Use of nanodiamonds as nanoparticle [239]To increase the sensitivity of the invention further, the use of nanodiamonds as nanoparticles is contemplated herein.
• Nanodiamonds would be functionalised with thiolated oligonucleotide probes, and the presence of target analyte would lead to agglomeration of the nanodiamonds resulting in a change in luminescence, for example fluorescence. This change in luminescence is optically detectable and could be converted into a visual indicator/change.

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